Is it possible to convert a mountain bike to a hybrid bike?
I have a Giant Boulder SE 26inch mountain bike that I currently use ocassionally, however I would like to start using it on my 5 mile commute to college. Is it possible to make this bike more road friendly by changing it into a hybrid bike and if so how would I go about doing that?
Just put a smoother narrower tire on your bike. You’ll be amazed at the result.
Also, try not to go smaller than a 26×1.3 – you still need enough tire under you so you can hit a pothole or hop a curb.
Enjoy!
Just put a smoother narrower tire on your bike. You’ll be amazed at the result.
Also, try not to go smaller than a 26×1.3 – you still need enough tire under you so you can hit a pothole or hop a curb.
Enjoy!
References :
Bike Shop Manager
Comment by bigringtravis — August 24, 2010 @ 2:13 am
You can’t change this bike into a true hybrid bike. A hybrid bike has 700 c wheels (about 27") where are mountain bike has 26" wheels. What you can easily do is put what they call "slicks" on. They are basically 26" tires without the knobs. It will make the bike "much" easier to ride on longer distances.
I actually prefer this method to buying a hybrid bike. I think the 700c wheel size for hybrids are often a bit hard to control for a lot of less experienced riders. MTB wheels are a lot more nimble.
References :
Comment by Jay P — August 24, 2010 @ 2:24 am
I converted my Gary Fisher Paragon into a commuter bike. I put a pair of Fast City K (kevlar reinforced) tires on it and a rigid fork. After a few weeks, I also put a road triple on the front. With the regular mtb gears, top speed was only around 25. With the road triple, 35 is possible. I started with panniers, but didn’t like the feel. Switched to a BOB trailer. You may not need that much, my commute was 20 miles each way.
References :
Comment by slowsinglespd — August 24, 2010 @ 2:44 am